Machine for reading perforated record cards



R. T. BLAKELY 2,348,051

MACHINE FOR READING PERFORATED RECORD CARDS Filed Dec. 1, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 A TT QRNE Y y 1944- T R. T. BLAKELY 2,348,051

MACHINE FOR READING PERFORATED RECORD CARDS I 7 E TOR A TTORNE Y v BLAKE L.Y MACHINE FOR-READING PERFORATED RECORD CARDS May 2; 1944.

, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec.

ATTORNEY.

y 1944- R. T. BLAKELY 2,348,051

MACHINE FCH READING PERFORATED RECORD CARDS Filed Dec. 1, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 WP MC FIGS.

.L mzgg'gg ig g i 88 AZa May 2, 1944. R. T. BLAKELY 2,348,051

MACHINE FOR READING PERFORATED RECORD CARDS Filed Dec. 1, 1942 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 i a 4 5 u L li H \MWK p \%\m 4 1k ,3 ix? 4 2 A TTORNE Y Patented May 2, 1944 MACHINE FOR READING rnnronaran RECORD CARDS Robert T. Blakely, Amityville, N. Y., assignor to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application December 1, 1942, Serial No. 467,493

Claims.

This invention relates to apparatus for making a photographic record of data recorded in record cards in the form of perforations.

The principal object is to provide improved apparatus for effecting a photographic interpretation of alphabetic data consisting of combinational perforations in a record card column.

A further object of this machine is to control photographic recording of data from a record by having the record itself act as a light control means. This permits optical recording of data; by the record directly to a photo-sensitive medium. The data to be recorded is derived from a mask which is provided with light pervious characters in an opaque surrounding. The masks and record card are fed in synchronism past a recording position. Normally, a mask is positioned so that the characters thereon are intermediate the perforation receiving positions on the record card. When it is desired to record a character from a particular mask, certain controls are actuated and the mask is displaced with respect to the record card a distance suilicient to cause the characters on the mask to be aligned with the perforation receiving positions on the record. Thus, a perforation in the record, when it is at recording position, permits light from a timed light source to pass through the character on the mask to the recording medium. Each column of recording mechanism is provided with four masks, one for each zone in the usual four zone code. Other objects of the invention will be pointed out in the following description and claims and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, which disclose, by way of example, the principle of the invention and the best mode, which has been contemplated, oi applying that principle.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a view of the recording mechanism with certain parts in section.

Fig. 2 is an end elevational view taken on line 2-4 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic view of the recording mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a detail view of the camera control mechanism.

Fig. 5 is a circuit diagram.

Fig. 6 is a timing diagram of the machine. I Figs. 7 to 11 are diagrammatic views showing operation of certain positioning devices.

Card feeding mechanism The controlling record card R (Fig. 3) is the well known Hollerith record card which is prousual combination arrangement consisting of a perforation in a digit position accompanied by a second perforation in one of the three uppermost positions. For example, the letter V is represented as in Fig. 3 by perforations in the 0 and 5 positions.

The system of representing all the alphabetic characters and the digits is as follows:

Holes Holes Characters Characters 0 1 J 2 K 3 L 4 M 5 N d 0- g P 9 t A S B T C U D V E W F X G Y- H Z v I Referring to Fig. 1, the record cards R are fed downwardly from a supply source (not shown) by a series of pairs of feed rollers H which are suitably interconnected by gearing to rotate in unison. Power is derived from a constantly running clutch element l2 which, when clutch magnet i3 is energized, will engage dog H pivoted to gear l5, so that through the train of gears it the rollers II are driven to feed cards i succession past the sensing brush I! and a cooperating contact roller l8. A plurality of brushes ii is provided, one for each card column, arranged in a horizontal row.

After passing brushes II, the card traverses a light path indicated at i 5, the timing being such that as any horizontal row of perforation receiving positions is at brushes H, the corresponding row of the precedi g card is in line with the light path l9. Dispose in the path of the cards are the usual card levers 30 and H which hold contacts 22 and 23, respectively, closed as cards are passing the related stations.

Referring to the circuit diagram (Fig. 5), current is supplied to lines 24 and 25 from a suitable source and, when switch 28 is closed, motor M is in constant operation to drive the clutch element l2 of Fig. l. A pair of contacts 21 (lower right of Fig. are normally closed. as will be explained in connection with the film mechanism, so that when start key contacts 28 are closed, the magnet I3 is energized and cards commence to feed. The upper card lever contacts 22 close to complete a circuit through a relay RI which closes its contacts Rla to provide a holding circuit through cam contacts CCI. In the same manner, the lower card lever contacts 23 close to energize a relay R2 which closes its contacts R to provide a holding circuit through contacts CCO. The contacts 001 and CO9 are closed during the interval between cards when the card lever contacts op so that as long, as cards continue to feed in successive order the relays RI and R2 will remain continuously energized and hold their contacts Rib and R21) (bottom of Fig. 5) closed.

A relay R3 wired in parallel with clutch magnet closes its contacts R30, so that with cards feeding the clutch magnet circuit is maintained from line 24, contacts Rlb or R2b, contacts R3a, film contacts 21, clutch magnet I3 and relay R3 to line 25. The cam controlled contacts generally designated CC and whose timing is shown in Fig. 6 are operated by cams secured to shaft 29 (Fig. l) which makes one revolution for each card or cycle of the machine. Driven from this shaft 28 at a 1 to 2 ratio are so-called emitter brushes" 30, of which several are provided. These brushes contact fixed segments 3i labeled 9, 8, 77 etc., which are engaged by the brush in order as the correspondingly designated positions in the card column are sensed by brush ll.

Record card sensing Referring to Fig. 5, a row of brushes I1 is shown connected to plug sockets 32 for selective sensing. Thus, in columns to be sensed a plug connection 33 is made to a socket 34 wired to the common of one of the emitters or distributors. As a card passes brush II, a circuit or circuits will be completed through the perforations in the plug connected column traceable asfollows: from line 24, relay contacts Ric (now closed), cam contacts 00!, contact roller l'l, hole in the card, brush l'l, socket 32,- connection 33, socket 34. brush 30, segment 3| and from here through several branches as follows: if the perforation is in positions 9 to 1 inclusive, the circuit goes through the related segment 9 to l, and relay ZI to line if the perforation is in the 0 position, the circuit goes through the 0 segment 3| and relay H0 to line 25; if the perforation is in the 11 position, the circuit goes through the 11 segment 3| and relay Hll to line 25; and if the perforation is in the 12 position, the circuit goes through the 12 segment 3| and relay HI2 to line 25.

Accordingly, for a significant digit representing hole the relay Zl is energized, for a zero hole the relay H0 is energized, while for an alphabetic character the relay Zl as well as one of the H0, Hll or HI2 relays is energized. These relays close contacts 2| a, Hlla, Hila and I-Il2a to provide holding circuits therefor through cam contacts CC2 (see Fig. 6) which keep the relays energized until the end of the cycle. Concurrently, of course, similar circuits are completed through other brushes I! and other similar sets of relays, another one of which is shown in Fig. 5.

These relays control the selection of the characters for recording. The mechanism involved will flrst be explained and later the manner in which the relays control the same will be set forth.

Character masks Referring to Figs. 1 and 2, a mask supporting frame 35 is provided and mounted for vertical reciprocation in grooved side guides 36. The lower extremity of frame 35 has lugs 31 to which links are pivoted, the opposite ends of the links having connection with levers 39 pivoted at 43 to fixed brackets 4|. Levers 39 have follower rollers 42 coacting with box cams 43 secured to shaft 44. This shaft 44 is driven by suitable gearing from the feed roller shafts so as to make one revolution per card or cycle, and as a result frame is reciprocated once each cycle.

Slidably mounted on the frame 35 are a series of the masks 43 (see Fig. 2). These are arranged in a plurality of columns, four masks to each I column and are frictionally held in position by a stud 48 and separator wuhers 41. Each mask is provided with slots 4. to permit a small amount of relative movement of the mask 43 with respect to the frame 35.

Referring to Fig. 3, there is shown a light source 49 which is of a gaseous type, such as a neon tube. Preferably. the back half of the light is silvered as shown at ill to provide a refiector. Light from the source 43 is received by a pair of condensing lenses ii which direct the light upon a small double concave lens I2. This system of lenses will direct a straight beam of light of proper depth to impinge upon onev horizontal row of the record card R. Wherever there is a perforation ll, the light beam is permitted to pass and reach masks 4!. These masks comprise a series of translucent and opaque portions 53 and 54, respectively (see Fig. 7). In the center of each opaque portion is a translucent character. The characters on the masks are spaced from each other a distance equal to the index point separation on thereccrd card B. This distance will hereafter be referred to as "index point separation distance." Normally. the masks are moved downwardly as the card descends. so that the index point positions on the record card are in alignment with the translucent portions 63 of the masks 45. The masks 45 are moved in synchronism with the record card R past the light beam.

Prior to passage of the card past the light beam, it passes a row of sensing brushes l1 and contact roll l8, which analyze the record R in each column and determine which mask 45 carries that particular character. In a manner which will be described later, the mask bearing this character is shifted relative to the other masks a distance equal to the height of a translucent portion 63 or one-half the index point separation distance. In this position the mask 45 which has been shifted has the characters thereon aligned with the index point positons on the record card, so that a position on the card where there is an index point perforation will permit the beam from light source 49 to pass through and transilluminate the character on the displaced mask 45. The beam will pass through the transparent position 53 of the remaining masks 45.

The transilluminated character will then be recorded on the film Sunder controloi lens system 58. It may be mentioned that the light source 49 operates for a fraction of .a second during each indexv point Just as theindex position on the record card and the character on the mask are in line. v I

Intermediate the record card R and the masks 45 there is provided a series of separator plates 51 to prevent light from a perforation in one column afiecting the mask of an adjacent column. These plates 51 (see also Fig. 2) are secured to upper and lower frame members 58.

Referring to Fig. 5, the lamp 49, is connected to a high voltage source through switch 59 and to a commutator 60 mounted on the one revolution shaft 29. When cards are passing the light path, relay R2 is energized as explained to close contacts' R20, thereby completing the circuit through thecommutator 60 and lamp to flash as each hole position arrives at the light path is. Referring to Fig. 6, the relative action of the mask operating cam 35 is represented as a uniform motion moving the masks down from the beginning of the cycle until the card column is at the light path l9. Then, there is a short dwell and a further movement. During this further movement the lower edges of the masks 4| strike against 'a fixed stop 6| (Fig. l) to slide any displaced masks upwardly with respect to the frame 35. Thereafter, with all masks aligned in their upper positions the frame moves rapidly up during the 'latter' part of the cycle, and in accordance with the occurrence of holes in the 0, 11, or

12 positions in the card which was passing the brushes I1 during this cycle a displacement will be made of one of the masks 45. The manner in which the dis acement is eil'ected will now be explained. I

Each mask 45 is provided with a notched portion 62 (Figs. 2 and 7) at its upper end. These notched portions are in such a position as to cooperate with stops 63. Each stop 63 is connected to the armature 64 of a magnet 65 in the manner shown in Fig. 1. For a. set offour The front or uppermost mask is that for the zero zone bearing the characters S, T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z. The second from the top is the mask for the numerical zone bearing the digitsi), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. The third from the top is the mask for the eleven zone bearing the characters J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R. The lowermost mask is that for the twelve zone bearing the characters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I. The mask carrier 35 reciprocates vertically as was previously explained, and near the top of the stroke the masks engage the stops B3 of the magnets 65 that have not been moved to the right in Fig. 1. Near the end of the upward movement of the masks, the twelve zone mask 45 engages its armature at the 16 point of the cycle (seeFig. 6).

If it is desired to shift the twelve zone mask,

the stop 63B remains in engagement therewith 85B is being actuated to insure correct posi- 10 shift is shown in the third from the left column in Fig. 2 and in Fig. 10.

. In Fig. 2, the card has a hole at the 4 position thereby causing the character D to be in a position for recording during the downward movem ment of the card as the-4 index position on the card passes the recording position, this being the position where the light beam impinges on the card.

The mask for the eleven zone is also controlled so by the same armature stop 6313 as the mask for the twelve zone, but the eleven zone 'mask is shorter than the twelve zone mask and does not engage the armature stop'l3B until in the cycle. If it is desired to shift this eleven zone mask, the armature stop is permitted to remain in engagement with the mask. The mask carrier stops A a cycle point later, thereby moving the eleven zone mask an index point position relative to the arrier (see Fig. 11). The twelve zone mask being also controlled by the same armature cording since it merely moves a different trans- 0 trolled by acommon stop 63A. The/zero zone Referring now to Fig. '5, it will be explained how the stop magnets 65A and 65B are energized. As already explained, the relays Zl, HI, HH and H II are set up as the card passes brushes l1 and so before it passes the light path is. Assuming that I the card contains a 12 hole, then relay Hi2 will be energized and its contacts Hl2b, HlZc, H lid and Hl2e will be shifted from the position shown in Fig. 5. When cam contacts CCB close at the 14 v point in the cycle, a circuit is completed from line 24, contacts CCG, contacts HiZb, magnet A, to

tacts CC3, contacts HlZc and magnet 653 to line 25. This energization occurs after the 12zone mask has been stopped by rod 63B and the 12 zone 65 mask displaced step and during a dwell in the upward movement of the mask carrier 35, i. e.,

sage a hole occurs in any such position in the card, light will pass through to transilluminate the related character and project the same on the film 55.

Assume now that an 11 hole had been sensed. Then, when cam contacts CCB close, a circuit is also completed fromline 24, contacts (7C6, contacts HI lb and magnet 65A to line 25, thereby withdrawing rod 63A so that the numeral and zero zone masks remain undisturbed. When contacts C03 close, however, no circuit is completed since contacts Hl2c are open and rod 633 remains in position to displace the 12 zone mask 45 a full step and the 11 zone mask step as represented in Fig. ll. Now the masks descend so that the 11 zone characters R, Q, P, O, N, M, L, K and J pass light path l9 as the card positions 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 pass the same path, and a hole occurring in any such position will cause projection of the related image.

Assume now that a zero hole had been sensed with an accompanying digit hole. Then, when cam contacts CC4 close, a circuit is completed from line 24, contacts CC4, contacts Hl2d, Hi Id and magnet 65B to line 25, thus withdrawing rod 838 from over the 12 and 11 zone masks as in Fig. 9, leaving these two masks undisturbed. Later, when cam contacts C05 close, no circuit will be completed as contacts Zlb and Hllb are both open and as a result magnet 65A is not energized. Consequently, the numeral zone mask is shifted down a full step and the zone mask V2 step as in Fig. 9, with subsequent projection of one.

of the characters in the zero zone.

Assume now that a significant digit alone had been sensed. Then, when contacts CC4 close, magnet 65B is energized as before to withdraw rod 533. However, when contacts 0C5 close at the time the masks are in the relative position of Fig. 8 with the numeral mask displaced V step, a circuit is completed from line 24, contacts CO5, contacts Hob, HI lc, Hl2e and magnet 85A to line 25. The masks subsequently descend with the numerals in perforation aligned position and are selectively projected depending upon the location of the perforation in the card column.

A final condition occurs where a zero hole occurs alone. In such case there is no second hole. The action is the same as in the last case, except that when contacts 0C5 close, the circuit is through contacts Zlb instead of contacts HUD and the resulting displacement of the masks is as in Fig. 8.

' Camera unit For the purpose of recording data from the mask to the film, there is provided a camera unit shown to the right in Fig. 1. The camera includes a casing which carries a suitable lens and shutter assembly generally designated Ill and including a shutter lever l I A stud 12 (see Fig. 1) affords a support for a film supply spool which is generally designated 13. On cross shafts are film feed sprockets I4 and I and a takeup spool I6.

Referring now to Fig. 4, the shaft of the upper sprocket wheel has fast to it a ratchet I1 and a driving gear 18. Driving gear 18 meshes with an intermediate gear 19 which in turn is meshed with a gear 80 fixed on the shaft of the lower sprocket. A belt 8i transmits motion to a pulley on the'takeup spool shaft.

A film feed operating solenoid 82 is provided, energization of which will depress an actuating member 83. This member 83 is suitably spring restored to upper position and upon restoring movement a pawl 84 carried by the member actuates the film feed ratchet 11 to advance the film one line space. A flat spring 05 serves as a detent for the ratchet 11.

Referring again to Fig. 1, within the camera housing there is provided a pivoted lever 84 which is spring pressed into. contact with the film on the supply roll. When the film is exhausted, member 86 swings clockwise to such an extent that a pair of contacts 21 opens. At other times with film available on the supply spool, the lever 86 maintains these contacts closed. The film which is designated 55 in Fig. 1 is provided with the usual feeding sprocket holes. The film passes successively under the first two film guides, through a film gate 81 (see Fig. 1) and then under another pair of film guides. Also carried by the casing is a solenoid Bl (see Fig. 4). Fixed to the plunger of the solenoid is a plate 89 which is normally held in upper position by a spring. Plate 28 is provided with 0. lug engaged with the shutter control lever II to actuate the main shutter mechanism of the camera unit. According to the present arrangement, the main shutter mechanism is set for a so-called bulb'exposure operation," that is to say, downward movement of lever ll opens the shutter and it remains open until the solenoid 8B is deenergized to permit lever II to return to the position shown.

Referring to Fig. 5, the shutter solenoid 84 is energized when switch 90 is closed which is done when the machine is started. The film feed magnet 82 is energized through a circuit from line 24, upper card lever relay contacts Rid, cam contacts CCU (timed to close as in Fig. 6) and magnet 82 to line 25.

After the last card is sensed by the brushes H, the card lever contacts 22 and cam contacts CO1 open to deenergize relay coil RI. This prevents further energization of the mask setup relays. After the recording is effected from this last card, the card lever contacts 23 open and prevent further current supply to light source 49 via distributor 60.

In the event that only straight numerical recording is to be effected, the mask carrier may have amxed thereto a numerical mask which is permanently in a shifted position for recording purposes. Such a mask 92 is shown in dotted outline at the left of Fig. 2. No presetting of the mask is necessary and direct recording under control of light source 49 would be effected as before described.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a single modification, it will be understood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is the intention therefore to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. In a machine arranged for control by record cards having columns of index point positions, each column containing a plurality of differentially located positions divided into zone and subzone positions, perforations in both a zone and a subzone position of a column being representative of any of the alphabetic characters, a

thereon, each mask having a different set of im ages and each being separately positionable in cooperative relationship with a record card to bring the images thereon into alignment with the subzone positions of a card column, means for sensing the zone hole positions of a record card, means controlled thereby for selectively positioning one of the masks in cooperative relationship with the record card, light responsive record material, a light source, and an optical system arranged to project light from said source through the subzone perforations of the card on to the aligned images to record the images on said material.

2. In a machine arranged for control by record cards having columns of index point positions, each column containing a plurality of differentially located positions divided into zone and subzone positions, perforations in both a zone and a subzone position of a column being representative of any of the alphabetic characters, a plurality of masks bearing character images thereon constructed to pass light through the image configuration, each mask having a differout set of images and each being separately positionable in cooperative relationship with a record card to bring the images thereon into alignment with the subzone positions of a card column, means for sensing the zone hole positions of a record card, means controlled thereby for selectively positioning" one of the masks in co operative relationship with the record card, light responsive record material, a light source, and an optical system arranged to project light from said source through the subzone perforations of the card. and through the image configuration to record the images on said material.

3. In a machine arranged for control by record cards having columns of index point positions, each column containing a plurality of difierentially located positions divided into zone and subzone positions, perforations in both a zone and a subzone position of a column being representative oi! any of the alphabetic characters, a sensing station, means for moving the record card past said sensing station, means for projecting a beam of light against the card at said station, a mask having character images thereon spaced according to the spacing of the card positions, said mask being positioned in a plane par allel to the card with the image positions nor= mally out of alignment with the card positions, means for shifting the mask to bring the images and card positions into alignment, means for moving the mask and card in synchronism to bring aligned images and positions concurrently to said sensing station, a film positioned along the line of said light beam, the occurrence of a perforation at said station enabling the light beam to pass through the perforation to project the related image on said film.

4. In a machine arranged for control by record cards having columns of index point positions, each column containing a plurality of differentially located positions divided into zone and subzone positions, perforations in both a zone and a subzone position of a column being representative of any of the alphabetic characters, a plurality of masks bearing character images thereon, each mask having a separate set of images with light transmitting spaces therebetween, said masks being arranged in parallel planes with the sets of images in superposed relationship, means for sensing the zone hole positions 01' a record card, means controlled thereby for selectively effecting relative movement of one of the masks to bring its images into line with the light transmit-ting spaces of the other masks, a light source, a film, and means controlled by the subzone hole positions of the card for selectively projecting light from said source through a selected one of the images of the said one mask and the light transmitting spaces of the other masks to record said selected image on said film.

5. In a machine of the class described, an optical system, a light source, said optical system projecting a beam of light from said source, means for moving a record card in a plane transverse to said light beam to successively present the spaced positions of a perforation receiving column of the card to said beam for projection of the light beam through the perforations, a mask having character images thereon spaced to correspond to the spacing of the card positions, means for moving said mask transversely to said light beam to successively present the spaced images to said beam as the corresponding card positions are presented, a film positioned in the path of said beam, the occurrence of a perforation enabling the beam to pass therethrough and project the corresponding image on to said film.

ROBERT T. BLAKELY. 

